Garmin recently released a new Pro model for the Fenix 7 and Epix sports watches. Given how well received the original Garmin Fenix 7 was, it is no surprise to see mostly positive reviews coming out for the Fenix 7 Pro. With a new flashlight, new optical heart rate sensor, and updated MIP display, it seems one of the best sports watches is now a tiny bit better. That said, many also feel the upgrade wasn’t quite enough to justify its existence.
Writing at Tech Radar, Matt Evans says:
The Garmin Fenix 7 Pro doesn’t change a lot compared to its predecessor, but it doesn’t have to. The clue’s in the name: this is an upgraded Fenix 7, and it hits that mark with updated senor arrays, new workout profiles, new Score features and a bright LED flashlight. Whether the Scores need the updated sensors in order to work remains to be seen, but if not, we can’t help feeling this might have all been achieved through a software update.
DC Rainmaker points out:
While Garmin increased the prices, they at least packed more hardware features in there. All units now having multiband/dual-frequency GNSS is appreciated (and frankly at this price point would have been a miss), but likewise, the increased storage space as well as, of course, the flashlight. As I said above, while some see the flashlight as geeky – anyone who has used it on an existing Garmin watch knows that’s silly. It’s quickly becoming one of my favorite features. And I’d even bet if we fast forward 3-5 years, we’ll see it as standard-issue on any more rugged watch from almost every company out there. Given Apple added a siren and scuba diving mode to the Apple Watch Ultra, you can bet a more practical everyday flashlight would be top of the list going forward.
Personally, I have been using the Garmin Enduro 2 for the past six months, and I absolutely agree on the value of the built-in flashlight. It sounds gimmicky but is easily one of my favorite features on the watch. So I am happy to see it now included on Garmin sports watches that don’t cost quite as much.
Over at Tom’s Guide, Jane McGuire felt a bit underwhelmed by the Pro:
After a week of testing I’m impressed with the added extras — I love the flashlight, and am looking forward to testing the new sensor, but I was hoping for a little more. I still wonder why Garmin hasn’t added a skin temperature sensor to its high-end watches, which could enhance menstrual tracking and health data. But perhaps that’s coming with the Garmin Fenix 8. If you already have a Garmin Epix 2 or a Garmin Fenix 7S on your wrist, this one probably isn’t worth the upgrade.
And finally, we have Matt Kollat at T3, who mostly seemed positive but also a bit disappointed:
I’m a bit puzzled about the Fenix 7 Pro, as the updates feel almost too significant for an intermediate watch, which might frustrate people who own a standard Fenix 7. It’s like Garmin is trying to tell people there is no point in buying their watches on launch day because there will be a newer one next year. Or, as it often happens, in less than 12 months.
Suggested articles:
- Garmin: Here’s the list of features coming to Fenix 7, Epix, and others!
- Garmin Forerunner 265 review: A new must-have sports watch for runners!
- Four months later – I was wrong about the Apple Watch Ultra
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